Champion · Waterproof Sports Gear
Champion Double Dry Pocket Training Short Red/White S
water-repellent coating-treated athletic shorts, PFAS risk unclear without brand disclosure.
Champion's Double Dry shorts use moisture-wicking water-repellent coating typical of athletic wear. Brand provides no PFAS statement; water-repellent coating treatments historically used fluorinated compounds, though reformulation is increasingly common.
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Material
polyester blend with moisture-wicking water-repellent coating treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These shorts are polyester blend (likely 88% polyester, 12% spandex based on Champion's standard athletic lines) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the outer surface. water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on long-chain PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, and similar compounds) to repel moisture; while some manufacturers have transitioned to PFAS-free alternatives, Champion has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use. Polyester production itself involves formaldehyde in synthetic fiber creation and can carry azo dyes for color, both of which are embedded in the finished fabric and non-removable by washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Champion is a subsidiary of Hanesbrands and has not published detailed chemical disclosure statements or restricted substance lists specific to athletic wear lines. The brand has faced criticism for opacity on PFAS and flame retardant use in apparel but has not been subject to major recalls or confirmed violations. No third-party certifications (Oeko-Tex, GOTS, Bluesign) are typically associated with Champion's mass-market training shorts, which limits independent verification of chemical inputs.
How it compares in its category
Budget athletic shorts (sub-$30 price point) routinely include water-repellent coating finishes and polyester blends without PFAS disclosure; Champion sits in the middle of this segment. Brands like Patagonia and Allbirds provide PFAS-free certifications on comparable products, while fast-fashion athletic lines (Old Navy, H&M) offer similar opacity. Higher-end performance brands increasingly transition to PFAS alternatives but rarely disclose publicly unless marketing a sustainability initiative.
If you buy it
Wash in cold water with standard detergent and air-dry to minimize any potential volatile release from the water-repellent coating during heat exposure. Do not tumble-dry at high temperature, as this can accelerate coating degradation and off-gassing. Expect the water-repellent coating finish to diminish after 20-30 washes; replacement is a reasonable trigger if water repellency is a functional requirement. Avoid prolonged contact with bleach or heavy fabric softeners, which can degrade the finish and potentially alter chemical stability.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
water-repellent coating finish on polyester shorts carries unknown PFAS risk; Champion does not disclose chemistry. Long-chain PFAS alternatives exist but are not confirmed in use for this product line.
Formaldehyde residues in polyester blend
Polyester fiber production involves formaldehyde, and fabric finishing may retain trace residues. Not acutely dangerous at this price tier, but repeated skin contact over months can trigger sensitization in susceptible individuals.
Azo dyes (synthetic color)
Red and white colorways on budget athletic shorts typically use azo dyes, which can release aromatic amines under sweat and friction. Risk is low for most wearers but higher for those with atopic dermatitis or dye sensitivity.
Antimony in polyester resin
Antimony trioxide is a common catalyst in polyester production. Champion has not disclosed use; no specific reports of antimony leaching into sweat from finished garments at this brand level exist in public literature.
water-repellent coating degradation over time
water-repellent coating finishes wear off after 20-40 wash cycles, potentially releasing microparticulates or residual chemistry into wash water. End-of-life disposal risk is low but environmental impact of repeated washing is not zero.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Sports Gear
Patagonia
Men's 10" Quandary Shorts
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
Lower concern. Patagonia uses PFC-free water-repellent coating; verify MADE SAFE label on tag.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current product line batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports gear grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.